DEPARTMENT OF FACILITIES MANAGEMENT → SERT PROGRAM →  ENERGY CONSERVATION 

Energy Conservation Within Montgomery County Public Schools

Electricity generation is one of the leading sources of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. Although electricity is a clean and relatively safe form of energy, its generation and transmission affects the environment. The U.S. Energy and Information Administration provides a good overview of how each major energy source impacts the environment. READ LESS

Electricity is the largest utility that is consumed by Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) and it comes from both renewable sources such as wind and solar, and non-renewable sources such as fossil fuels and nuclear. Annually, MCPS consumes approximately 245 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity to light our schools and facilities, provide classrooms with state-of-the-art technology, power plug loads, and to maintain comfortable heating and cooling temperatures. The annual amount of electricity consumed throughout MCPS is equivalent to the average annual electricity use of approximately 20,000 homes in Maryland. READ LESS

The School Energy and Recycling Team (SERT) program provides opportunities for all MCPS schools to participate and receive incentives and recognition for their efforts to conserve energy. SERT provides resources and support for successful conservation programs at each school, helping to reinforce MCPS's culture of natural resource conservation. Our reduction strategies and efforts to increase resource conservation awareness are the most effective and least expensive ways to ensure that energy is used responsibly. READ LESS

The SERT program offers numerous in-school services to assist with energy conservation, including the following:

• Energy conservation and recycling awareness assemblies for elementary schools
• Temperature surveys, electrical audits, and lighting studies for students and staff
• Professional development opportunities for support and professional staff
• Activity packets for school-based SERT teams
• "Read Alouds" on the topic of resource conservation
• Recognition and celebration of SERT achievements
• Promotional items for active school-based SERT teams
• Contests and awareness campaigns for students in all grade levels
• Assistance with Maryland Green School certification applications

Energy Conservation Resources